Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Marijuana addiction treatment in Oceanside, California

Marijuana or cannabis is the most-used illicit drug in the U.S. today. Legalization of the substance, both for medicinal and recreational use, has created serious concerns about increased acceptance of this drug, despite its dangerous side effects and potential for dependency. Marijuana is derived from the hemp plant, through drying the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds for smoking, brewing into tea or baking into edibles like brownies. The active ingredient in marijuana is a mind-altering chemical known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

Short-Term Effects of Marijuana

The THC in marijuana takes effect most quickly when the substance is smoked. Short-term effects might include:

• Changes in sensory perception

• Altered sense of time

• Impaired muscle coordination

• Reduced reaction times

• Impaired decision-making and problem-solving skills

Long-Term Effects of Marijuana

When marijuana is used over an extended period of time, more serious effects can result:

• Compromised immune function, greater susceptibility to common illnesses

• Reduction in thinking, memory and learning functions, lower IQ

• Increased risk of mental illness, such as depression and anxiety

• Breathing problems and lung damage, when cannabis is smoked

• Increased heart rate and higher risk of heart attack

Addiction Signs

Despite popular belief that marijuana is not an addictive substance, evidence suggests otherwise. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately one in six that begin using marijuana in their teen years will develop an addiction to the substance. For people that use pot every day, 25-50 percent will become addicted. Addiction means you are no longer able to control your pot use, continuing to use even if your desire is to stop. If you do stop using marijuana, withdrawal symptoms might include:

• Sleeplessness and irritability

• Decreased appetite and weight loss

• Anxiety and paranoia

• Cravings for the drug

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

A marijuana addiction is a serious issue that usually requires professional treatment to overcome. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we have seen firsthand the toll a marijuana addiction can take on a user and the entire family. We work with addicts to help them overcome their addiction and find new life in sobriety. To learn more about our treatment programs, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at 1-855-927-2687.